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Small Press

meadowlarkbookstore.com

Meadowlark Press

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Independent publishing5 open opportunities listed

About the press

Meadowlark Press, based in Emporia, Kansas, is a independent publisher with a focus on poetry and regional literature. Founded in 2015, the press emerged from the vibrant literary community surrounding the Meadowlark Bookstore, aiming to champion voices from the Great Plains and beyond. Its core mission is to publish accessible, engaging poetry that resonates with a broad audience, often highlighting works that explore place, identity, and the human experience. The Birdy Poetry Prize, an annual contest, exemplifies this commitment by offering a first-book award to a poet, ensuring that new voices receive national distribution and support.

Publishing focus

Specializing in books by authors from the heartland since 2014, Meadowlark Press is an independent publisher, born of a desire to produce high-quality books for print and electronic delivery. Their goal is to create a network and system of support for today’s independent authors. Their service is to ensure that the stories they love and believe in are presented to readers in a manner that enhances an author’s work.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionNovellaShort Story CollectionsEssay CollectionsNovelMemoirPoetry Collections

Selected authors
Kevin Rabas, Poet Laureate of Kansas (2017-2019); Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, Poet Laureate of Kansas (2009-2012); Cheryl Unruh, two-time Kansas Notable Book Award winner; Roy J. Beckemeyer, Nelson Poetry Book Award winner; Edna Bell-Pearson, 2020 Kansas Notable Book Award winner; Michael D. Graves, 2016 & 2021 Kansas Notable Book Award; James Kenyon, two-time Martin Kansas History Book Award winner

Calls & opportunities

5 listed
OpenDeadline · 2026-12-02

Meadowlark Press — The Birdy Poetry Prize

OpenDeadline · 2026-12-02

Meadowlark Press — The Birdy Poetry Prize

OpenDeadline · 2027-02-01

Meadowlark Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
OpenDeadline · 2027-02-01

Meadowlark Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing
OpenDeadline · 2027-02-01

Meadowlark Press — Submissions

View opportunity Official listing

Manuscript submissions

Reading periodFeb 1 to Mar 15
Reading feeNo
Response timeGreater than 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Meadowlark Press primarily accepts submissions through its annual Birdy Poetry Prize, open to poets with no more than one previously published full-length collection. The contest typically runs from January 1 to March 31, with a reading fee. Manuscripts should be 50-100 pages of original poetry. The press values clear, evocative language and strong thematic cohesion. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify immediately if accepted elsewhere. For general submissions outside the contest, check the website for occasional reading periods. Always review full guidelines before submitting.

We only accept general manuscript submissions during our open reading period, currently February 1 to March 15 of each year. We accept poetry manuscript submisisons for The Birdy Poetry Prize September 1 to December 1 of each year. The entry fee for the prize is $25. Review our guidelines for updates before submitting.

Read official guidelines

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